Estonia will not help Syria if Russian military bases remain in the country

Estonia does not intend to provide financial aid to Syria if the new authorities keep Russian military bases on the territory of the country. This was announced by Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna on December 25.

"We do not agree to provide financial assistance to Syria if the Russian bases continue to remain there," Tzahkna was quoted as saying by the ERR TV channel.

The Estonian foreign minister noted that the authorities do not plan to continue temporary protection for Syrian refugees. They will also not help with transportation costs for Syrians who want to return home.

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Earlier, on December 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during the "Results of the Year" that Russia has generally achieved its goals in Syria. The president also noted that Russia had no ground troops in Syria and there are only two Russian military bases in the Arab Republic - an air force base and a naval base. Putin called the current situation in the SAR challenging. He added that the Russian Federation counts on peace and calm in Syria and maintains relations with all groups that control the situation there, as well as with all countries in the region.

On December 8, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, after negotiations with the opposition, left the post of head of state and left the country, instructing to carry out the transfer of power peacefully. The National Coalition of Revolutionary and Opposition Forces of Syria said it was working to form a transitional authority. The country is expected to hold a referendum.

The situation in Syria escalated as a result of a major attack by armed groups in Aleppo and Idlib, which began on November 28 and led to the Syrian army's retaliation against the militants.